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5/04/2009 10:53:00 AM

posted by eDivvy Blogger Brooke

Group Gifting as an Organizer

Group gifting is a great way for a group of friends and family to share in the cost of a great gift for an individual or organization especially when you are unsure of what to buy. Group gifting makes sure that the lucky recipients are getting what they really want - something they will remember and appreciate. The more people who pitch in, the bigger and better the gift you can afford. Just image if 10 friends get together for a birthday and each bring their own $30 gift, the birthday girl might get a few DVD's and a t-shirt. Now if these friends pitches in a group gift, they can afford a really great gift - like a new ipod or a nice pair of designer shoes.

Group gifting takes the hassle out of buying gifts. No more scrambling at the last minute, wandering around a store, or wondering what in the world to buy! Group gifting makes it easy by putting one person in charge of selecting the gift(s) and inviting others to contribute. This person is deemed the "organizer" of the group.

The organizer is usually someone with a great personality and loves working with people. This person is usually highly motivated, dedicated and a team player. The organizer must be well organized and skilled in coordinating event logistics. Should you choose to accept this position within your group of friends or coworkers, these are some helpful tips to ensuring that your group gifting event goes off without a hitch.


Essential Helpful Tips

1. Present the gift idea to the group after you have talked to members of the group about gift ideas. Take the initiative to put together a gift basket with complementary items that the gift recipient might like. For example, when selecting a Blueray player, you may also want to include some movie titles and essential component cables.

2. Establish and monitor budgets to support the gift ideas. Determine how much each person is willing to pay. You can suggest a range with a minimum amount or determine an exact amount based on the number of participants in your group. Set a deadline as to when you will be collecting the money. Give yourself ample time to be able to purchase the gift. Keep in mind that some products take time to ship especially if it contains customization (i.e. engraving) If this is an office event, as long as this is not against company policy it's fine for people in the office to circulate an envelope asking for donations. However, there should never be any pressure for people to contribute if they do not wish to do so and the donation envelope should circulate freely, without someone waiting to see if you are going to contribute.

3. Make sure you purchase a greeting card for the event and allow the participants that contribute to the gift to sign the card.

4. Send reminders to the group at least 2 weeks before the event. Sometimes a personal phone call or an in-person reminder is more effective than just sending an email. The participants will feel more at ease if you can communicate the idea that once they contribute to the group, they will not have to think about what to get the participant and that you are there to make this group purchase smooth and seamless.

Clear communication and setting expectations with the group will help you setup a successful event without offending people within your group. Remember, YOU are the leader of the group. You are the Alpha dog in the pack. Follow the group gifting suggestions above and you will be revered for your efforts as an organizer.

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